When we took a particular class in school, the specific class would have a name or title. Usually on the first day we would then be given a syllabus or outline breaking down the class. But the theme was why the class was being taught, the particular lessons simply built on developing and enhancing that theme. The Bible is no different. Jesus clearly stated His mission at the outset of His public ministry in Matthew 4:17, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus came to earth not to give a number of isolated lessons on important topics, or to perform various miracles, but to lead us to repentance then make the payment for us, so that we could spend eternity with Him in His Kingdom. Originally, Scripture contained no chapters or verses, so each book was read in a confluent manner, rather than disjointed. Chapters were inserted in the 1200's and verses in the 1500's. Most Bibles also come with a heading inserted by those putting together the specific version of the Bible to give mini-themes for various topics. Though these all represent good study aids, it is so easy to miss the theme and simply believe that Jesus is giving a series of small disjointed dissertations on different topics. Rather than reading His Word, saying to ourselves, "I like this section on hypocrisy", or "I like this Parable", remember each gospel account begins with His background, then reveals who Jesus is through what He said and did. Jesus continues to build His case why all are in need of repentance, and no one is good or righteous on their own. Each gospel account then builds the case of this need as we move our eyes to the cross where He paid for our sins once and for all, then concludes with the resurrection where He illustrates His power over death, giving us the hope we need as we navigate through this life to our destination in heaven.

In the Bible that I am reading, Luke 12:1-3, has the heading "Beware of Hypocrisy". The Greek word for "hypocrisy" literally means "wearing a mask" as the actors would do in that day. Hypocrisy has always existed, but with the explosion of social media, it has become the rule of day for our generation. Everyone puts those pictures and phrases, and "spontaneous" events to give a public facade of what they want to convey to others. Jesus clears this up for us in 12:2, "For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known." We can put on a good show for others, but God is not fooled, He knows our hearts and our motives (Hebrews 4:13). The next heading is "Jesus Teaches the Fear of God" in Luke 12:4-7. It is easy to read this as a separate topic, but in reality the verses flow from one to the other. We read in 12:4-5, "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!" This is not a disjointed theme but builds on the previous verses. Why hypocrisy? Because people fear more what others think than what God thinks. The next heading in Luke 12:8-12 reads "Confess Christ Before Men". We read in 12:8-9, "Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God." Why is there hypocrisy? Because we fear others more than God. As the chapters move forward, these themes through the use of Parables gain more and more strength. Jesus couldn't be any clearer when He states in Luke 13:3, "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

We all make a serious mistake when approaching God's Word if we view it as another self-help manual or a compilation of wise sayings. Though full of self-help and wise sayings this is not God's story conveyed in the totality of Scripture. God created a perfect world in Genesis 1, which was polluted when sin entered the world in the Garden in Genesis 3. The Gospels bring forth the cure to our sin problem. Jesus came for our salvation. This is the core message in the gospel accounts. Those who deem themselves inherently good have completely missed the message. We, sinners that we are, are undeserving to spend eternity with God. In fact, our situation apart from God is totally hopeless and impossible. But Jesus, the perfect representation of love, paid the ultimate price so that we can be with Him in eternity. It's time to stop trying to be someone that we are not and trying to convey an untrue image to others so that they will like or admire us. It's time for us to be heaven minded and reach out boldly to a world which is drowning in its swamp of sin and in most cases missing the only means of rescue. This is why He came, and for those of us who call ourselves His disciples, this is why we exist. As we approach each day, let's not forget this. Even the breath in our lungs is a gift from Him, so let's use it for His glory.